What is FENG SHUI and how does it apply to the Kitchen?
The practice of Feng Shui has been in existence for over 6000 years.
It is a scholarly combination of physics, philosophy, astrology, and astronomy, which is closely related to Taoism. There are several perceptions that Taoism and Feng Shui share: the view that the Earth is alive and filled with energy called “chi”; “yin” and “yang” are the polar opposites of each other and one cannot exist without the other; and the principle of the five elements, including earth, wood, fire, water, and metal, which correspond to colors as well as shapes.
Correlations also exist with Buddhism. Essentially, it is the practice of bringing individuals into a harmonious balance with their surroundings. The 3 areas of the home that modern day practitioners focus on are the entrance to the home, the bedroom, and the kitchen. How does Feng Shui apply to the kitchen?
Our kitchen is the heart of the home, and the proper layout of the kitchen is of the greatest concern, along with color as well as material selections. Chinese practitioners position kitchens in their homes either in the east or south sectors of their homes in order to encourage the fire elements of the kitchen. The head of the household’s “Kua” number, a number calculated from the birth year and gender of the individual, which relates to the harmonious balance of the individual within their habitat, is used to determine the location of the kitchen in the home. Kitchen wall ovens, cooktops, and ranges are determined to be fire elements, and should not be placed directly along side of sinks, dishwashers or refrigerators. The water and cold elements are in conflict with the fire element, thus creating “inauspicious” elements. These elements create negative energy conducive to health and emotional issues. Copper elements in a kitchen create positive energy, as well as the use of the colors yellow, orange, rose, chocolate or red as either colors of kitchen’s walls and/or floors. An element of green, such as potted herbs, placed between the sink and the stove create positive energy too.
There are so many more applications of Feng Shui than meets the eye.
The specialists at Carr Stone can advise you of the best way to achieve a harmonious balance in your kitchen with your selection of stone and tiles.
Our sales specialists and design associates can assist you with selecting the best materials for your budget with the beauty you deserve. For more information about how we can assist you further, call us at (504) 835-8453 or contact us at sales@carrstone.com for more information. From tile selection to installation, and even for repairs, we’re at your service!
